Auto Care Guide
Sun exposure can damage a vehicle , inside and out
Courtesy Metro Creative Connection
People know to protect their skin and eyes from the sun . Sun exposure can be dangerous for the body , but the sun ’ s rays also can damage automobiles .
Leaving a vehicle exposed to sunlight for extended periods of time increases the risk of damage to its interior and exterior . It ’ s important that car and truck owners recognize this so they can mitigate the potential problems sun and heat may cause . Testing conducted at the State Farm ® Vehicle Research Facility found interior vehicle air temperatures have been recorded well in excess of 145 F . Interior surfaces exposed to direct sunlight have been recorded at temperatures in excess of 195 F .
The automotive repair service Fix Auto says the sun ’ s ultraviolet rays can cause the vehicle ’ s paint
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to peel and fade over time . UV rays break down the molecules in the paint and make it appear dull . The company says red paint is particularly susceptible because red paint molecules deteriorate faster in the sun than other paint colors .
To prevent potential sun-related damage , take these precautions .
• Avoid direct sunlight . Park in the shade as much as possible .
• Crack a window . If it is safe to do so , lower interior air temperature and equalize air pressure by opening up car windows a little .
• Use a windshield protector . Reflect sunlight away and keep the vehicle cool with a windshield sun
protector that unfolds and slides into place .
• Use a protectant wax . A layer of wax can offer another layer of protection against the sun ’ s ultraviolet rays .
• Wash the car frequently . Washing and hand-drying the vehicle helps to remove dirt and other debris which can cause microscratches in the paint .
• Install seat covers . Seat covers can protect leather and fabric upholstery . A leather conditioner can help prevent cracks and tears from sunlight and heat .
These easy steps are simple preventative measures that protect vehicles against sun damage .
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What ’ s behind noises your car might be making
Courtesy Metro Creative Connection
Few things can be as unsettling when behind the wheel as a sudden noise . Noises coming from a car can indicate a host of issues , and that ’ s one reason why such sounds tend to be so different . Quickly identifying what ’ s behind car noises can make for safer driving and potentially save drivers substantial amounts of money .
Noise : Rattling coins Problem : Loose lug nut in a hub cap
This noise can be loud and unsettling , but the good news is that it ’ s often a simple fix if addressed immediately . The automotive insurance experts at Geico note that a noise that sounds like coins rattling around in a dryer is likely a loose lug nut in a hubcap . The lug nut might have become loose if a wheel was not tightened sufficiently after a recent maintenance appointment or even if drivers changed a tire on their own . The longer drivers wait to address this , the more dangerous and costly it could become , as it could have an effect on the wheel bearings . If addressed promptly , the damage is likely minimal .
Noise : Squealing on start-up Problem : Issue with the serpentine belt
A squealing noise at start-up is among the more annoying noises a driver can hear . This sound is often indicative of a worn or damaged serpentine belt , which connects the crankshaft to the alternator , power steering and additional components . Thankfully , a worn down serpentine belt is a relatively inexpensive repair , though it ’ s important that it be addressed promptly .
Squealing at start-up also could indicate a loose tensioner , which is designed to keep the serpentine belt at a certain tightness and tension , or wear and tear to the belt due to parking outside . These issues can be addressed by readjusting or replacing the tensioner or replacing the serpentine belt , particularly if the part is old .
Noise : Engine knocking Problem : Various issues
A knocking noise from the engine typically sounds like repeated tapping . The noise will often become louder as the vehicle accelerates . Various issues can be behind the knocking sound , and drivers should avoid self-diagnosing the problem , even if they ’ ve experienced it in the past with the same or a different vehicle . Some drivers hear knocking because they ’ re using 87 octane fuel instead the of the high-performance and more expensive fuel the owner ’ s manual recommends ( this could be a common problem in recent months given the meteoric rise in fuel prices ). Another potential cause of engine knock could be problems with the pistons or crankshaft . Regardless of what ’ s causing engine knocking , drivers are urged to take their vehicle to a mechanic promptly , as the cost of repairs is likely to rise the longer knocking goes untreated .
No one wants to hear noises coming from their vehicles . However , such noises should be addressed promptly , as the quickness of drivers ’ responses could make the difference between a simple , less costly fix and a more time-consuming , expensive repair .
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